The university student who died in the tragic ‘implosion’ of the Titanic submarine was ‘terrified’ of the journey and only joined the crew to please his father for Father’s Day, his heartbroken aunt has revealed.
According to the US Coast Guard, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, 19, were two of five victims who died instantly when the OceanGate submarine suffered a “catastrophic implosion” just 500 meters from the bow of the Titanic.
The other victims included OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, French Navy veteran Paul-Henri (PH) Nargeolet and British billionaire Hamish Harding.
Tragically, Azmeh Dawood – the elder sister of Mr. Dawood, the Vice Chairman of Engro Corporation, told NBC news that her cousin “wasn’t quite ready” but felt compelled to please his father, who was passionate about the shipwreck of 1912.
“I think of Suleman, who’s 19, who might be gasping in there… It was paralyzing, to be honest,” she told the US outlet from her home in Amsterdam.
University student Suleman (left), 19, and his father Shahzada Dawood (right) were two of five victims who died instantly when the OceanGate submarine suffered a ‘catastrophic implosion’
Five people were on board, including British billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding (pictured)
French Navy veteran PH Nargeolet (left) was also in the submarine, along with Stockton Rush (right), CEO of the OceanGate Expedition
Azmeh Dawood (pictured) – Mr Dawood’s older sister – revealed today that her cousin was ‘terrified’ of the trip and went on it alone to please his dad
She added, “I feel disbelief. It’s an unreal situation.’
Azmeh, who was hoping for a miracle like the other frightened relatives, continued, “I feel like I’m in a really bad movie, with a countdown, but you didn’t know what you were counting down to.”
She said she “personally found it a bit hard to breathe on them,” adding, “It’s unlike any experience I’ve ever had.”
Amzeh herself admitted that she wouldn’t have gotten on the Titan submarine “if you had given me a million dollars.”
It comes after U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral John Mauger revealed at a news conference today, “The implosion would have generated significant broadband noise that the sonar buoys would have picked up,” explained.
It would have been instant death for the men, some of whom paid £195,000 each to see the famous shipwreck.
In a heartbreaking blow to their families, experts say there is little chance of recovering any of their remains.
Mr. Dawood and his son were heirs to the great Dawood business dynasty and were among the richest people in Pakistan, although they lived in Surrey, England.
BBC Scotland revealed today that Suleman studied at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
A family statement earlier this week described him as “a big fan of science fiction literature and learning new things.”
Mr. Dawood and his son were heirs to the great Dawood business dynasty and were among the richest people in Pakistan, although they lived in Surrey, England
BBC Scotland revealed today that Suleman (pictured) studied at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral John Mauger announced the men’s deaths at a news conference in Boston today. “The debris is consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber. After this determination, we immediately informed the families. “On behalf of the Coast Guard and the entire United Command, I extend my deepest condolences to the families.”
Rescue workers had been scrambling to locate the missing Titanic tourist submarine, but debris from it was confirmed today
His mother was Christine and he had a sister named Alina. Before the dive they had spent a month in Canada.
Suleman’s father was also a supporter of two charities founded by King Charles – the British Asian Trust and the Prince’s Trust International.
The Dawood family posted a statement on Twitter tonight saying, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood.”
“Our beloved sons were aboard OceanGate’s Titan submarine that wrecked underwater.
Please continue to keep the departed souls and our family in your prayers during this difficult time of mourning.
“We are very grateful to everyone involved in the rescue operations. Their tireless efforts were a source of strength to us during this time.
“We are also deeply indebted to our friends, family, colleagues and well-wishers from around the world who have stood by us during our hour of need. The immense love and support we receive continues to help us bear this unimaginable loss.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the other passengers on the Titan submarine. At this time we are unable to receive calls and request that support, condolences and prayers be sent instead. Details of their final rituals in this world will be revealed shortly.”
In this U.S. Coast Guard handout, a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, flies over the French research vessel, L’Atalante, about 900 miles east of Cape Cod during the search for the 21 -foot submarine, Titan, June 21, 2023 over the Atlantic Ocean
Azmeh – who was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2014 and was “in a wheelchair,” said she had lost contact with her brother in recent years.
She had moved from England to Amsterdam to gain easier access to medical cannabis – something her relatives, including her brother, disapproved of.
Amzeh said she always felt close to Suleman, whom she described as “thoroughly kind-hearted.”
After his death, she was reminded of her love for her brother. “He was my little brother, I held him up when he was born.”